If Internet Explorer feels slow, freezes unexpectedly, or loads unwanted toolbars, an add-on might be the cause. Removing unnecessary extensions can instantly improve performance and give you a cleaner browsing experience. In this guide, you’ll learn how to uninstall an add-on in Internet Explorer using simple, clear steps that anyone can follow.

Table of Contents

What Are Add-ons in Internet Explorer?

Add-ons (also known as browser extensions or toolbars) are small software components that extend the browser’s features. They can come from:

Downloaded software bundles
Toolbars installed by third-party apps
Plugins like Java, Flash, or PDF viewers

While some add-ons are helpful, others slow down your browser or pose security risks. That’s why it’s important to manage or remove them regularly.

How to Uninstall or Disable Add-ons in Internet Explorer

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

Launch Internet Explorer as you normally would.

Step 2: Access the Manage Add-ons Panel

Click the Tools icon (the gear icon in the upper-right corner).
From the drop-down menu, choose Manage Add-ons.

This will open a window where you can view and control all installed extensions.

Step 3: Choose the Add-on Category

On the left side, you’ll see several categories, such as:

Toolbars and Extensions
Search Providers
Accelerators
Tracking Protection

Select Toolbars and Extensions, since this is where most unwanted add-ons appear.

Step 4: Select the Add-on You Want to Remove

Browse the list and click the add-on that seems suspicious, unused, or unnecessary. You’ll see details like the publisher, file location, and load time.

Step 5: Disable or Uninstall the Add-on

You have two options:

✔ Disable

Click Disable on the bottom-right.
This stops the add-on from running but keeps it installed.

✔ Uninstall

Some add-ons support full removal. If the Remove or Uninstall button appears, click it to delete the extension completely.
Note: Not all add-ons can be removed from within Internet Explorer; some may need to be uninstalled through Windows Control Panel.

How to Remove Add-ons from Windows Control Panel (If Direct Uninstall Isn’t Available)

If the add-on doesn’t show an uninstall button inside Internet Explorer:

Open Control Panel
Click Programs → Programs and Features
Look for a toolbar or extension name (e.g., “XYZ Toolbar”)
Select it and click Uninstall

This method removes the software that installed the add-on, making it disappear from Internet Explorer as well.

Tips to Keep Internet Explorer Fast and Clean

Remove toolbars you never use
Disable add-ons with high load time
Restart the browser after making changes
Keep Windows updated for better security
Scan for malware if suspicious add-ons reappear

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling an add-on in Internet Explorer is a simple way to boost browser speed, remove clutter, and improve security. By following the steps above, you can quickly identify unnecessary extensions and get your browser back to running smoothly. Keep your add-ons minimal, and you’ll enjoy a faster, safer browsing experience.

How to Uninstall an Add-on in Internet Explorer (Step-by-Step Guide)